> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.logbook.co.uk/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Changed Your Car's Colour? How to Update the DVLA (Respray & Wrap Rules)
- URL: https://www.logbook.co.uk/change-car-colour-dvla-v5c/
- Published: 2026-08-17T19:40:46.000Z
- Updated: 2026-08-19T20:07:29.000Z
- Description: Resprays and full wraps must be notified to DVLA: free, by post, section-and-sign. Decals and stripes don't. The process, the ANPR risk, and the insurer step.
- Author: Jamie Dawson
- Tags: V5C & Vehicle Logbooks

> **Quick answer:** If you change your car’s main colour (respray *or* full wrap) you must tell DVLA, and it’s **free**: write the new colour in the vehicle-details section of the V5C, sign it, and post the whole log book to **DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BZ**. Stripes, decals and part-wraps don’t count. The updated V5C arrives in roughly 2–4 weeks, you can drive as normal meanwhile. Tell your **insurer** too, because a colour change is a modification.

## Respray vs wrap vs decals: what counts

- **Full respray** in a new colour: notify DVLA.
- **Full wrap** that changes the dominant colour: notify DVLA. It doesn’t matter that it’s removable; the V5C records the colour the car *is*.
- **Stripes, decals, roof wraps, mirror caps, chrome delete**: no DVLA notification needed while the main colour stays the same.

## The process, step by step

- Find the vehicle-details section of your V5C and write in the new colour, then sign and date the declaration.
- Post the **whole log book** (not a copy) to **DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BZ**. Note that’s the vehicle-changes address; keeper and sale notifications go to SA99 1BA.
- DVLA’s online change-vehicle-details service handles some detail changes (worth checking at gov.uk when you start), but post remains the standard route for colour.
- There’s **no fee**, and no need to send photos or evidence for a colour change.

## Why it matters (more than you'd think)

Police ANPR systems check the plate against DVLA’s recorded colour. A blue car returning as “red” is a classic stop trigger, and at sale time, a V5C that doesn’t match the car makes buyers think [clone or ringer](https://www.logbook.co.uk/v5c-red-flags-fake-logbook/). Keep the record straight and neither happens.

## Don't forget the insurer

A colour change (especially a wrap) is a modification your insurer expects to hear about. Most treat colour changes neutrally (some wraps even reduce theft appeal), but an *unnotified* modification is the thing that complicates claims.

## FAQs

**Can I drive while the V5C is away at DVLA?**  
Yes, normally. If you need the reference number meanwhile (e.g. to [tax the car](https://www.logbook.co.uk/tax-car-without-logbook-v5c/)), note it down before posting.

**Do I need to notify for a temporary wrap?**  
If it changes the main colour for its lifetime on the car: yes, and again when it comes off. Two free notifications beat one roadside argument.

**What about engine, fuel or other changes?**  
Same section of the V5C, same address, but some changes (engine size, fuel type) can affect tax and may need evidence. Colour is the easy one.

## Related guides

- [The V5C decoded: every section explained](https://www.logbook.co.uk/what-is-a-v5c-logbook/)
- [Change your name on the V5C](https://www.logbook.co.uk/change-name-on-v5c-logbook/)
- [Change your address on the V5C](https://www.logbook.co.uk/update-address-v5c-logbook-2/)
- [How long a V5C takes to arrive](https://www.logbook.co.uk/how-long-does-v5c-take-uk/)
- [Race Car Logbook: Motorsport UK Requirements Explained](https://www.logbook.co.uk/race-car-logbook-motorsport-uk-requirements-explained/)

### Sources

[**gov.uk**Change vehicle details on a V5C](https://www.gov.uk/change-vehicle-details-registration-certificate?ref=logbook.co.uk)